The Fourteenth Key (The Chronicles of Terah Book 3) by Mackenzie Morgan Page A

back, too.”
    “Don’t you need her here?”
    Theresa shook her head. “With the children gone, there’ll be even less to do. Alma doesn’t let her do anything but clean anyway. And if she goes back with you she can help look after the children. At least they know her.”
    “Have you told her yet?”
    Theresa nodded. “She wanted to argue with me, but she had to admit the transition will be a little easier for the children if there’s someone around they already know.”
    “Are they ready to go?”
    Again, Theresa nodded. “Alma woke them up at daybreak, fed them a quick breakfast, and started them in on chores, just like yesterday. They’re probably ready for a nap by now. Where are you taking them?”
    “I’d planned to take them to the castle, but I didn’t know Hayley was going. Should I take them to Joan’s house instead?”
    “I don’t think it matters. But if I were you, I’d take their stuff straight to Joan’s. Hayley’s got it all together on the back porch.”
    “Let’s go get it then.”
    Half an hour later, Hayley and her bag were back at the chapel in Milhaven and the children’s clothes were at Joan’s. Before he headed back to Ashmont, Kevin made a quick detour by Joan’s office to let her know he would be back with the children in a few minutes.
    When he got there, Serra, one of the women from the housekeeping staff, was arranging a pallet on the floor. “We thought the children might need to lie down a bit when they get here,” Serra said in answer to Kevin’s unasked question. “From what Joan says, a trip through the energy field can be a bit draining for an adult. I imagine the experience is even harder on a child.”
    Kevin nodded and looked at Joan. “I’ve already taken their stuff to your house. Gracie said she’d get everything unpacked and have their rooms ready by the time you get home. Hayley’s back at the chapel so she’ll be available to help out, too. Are you ready for me to bring the children?”
    “I want to go to Ashmont and meet them first,” Joan said. “Then, after I spend a little time with them, I’ll ask if they want to come stay with me while we try to find their mother. They need to feel like they have a choice, even if they don’t.”
    Kevin frowned. “How long will this take?”
    “As long as it takes,” Joan said. “Why? Do you have something else to do today?”
    “Actually, yes.”
    “When?”
    “This evening.”
    “We’ll be back before then.”
    “When did you decide to do this? No one mentioned it to me, and it’s just luck I decided to drop by before heading back to Ashmont.”
    “About two minutes ago, but you have to admit it’s a good idea.” Joan put her hand on Kevin’s arm. “Now, let’s go.”
    As soon as Kevin and Joan arrived on the back porch of the chapel, Joan opened the door and stepped into the kitchen. Alma was standing near the table, instructing Caitlyn in the proper way to wipe it down after a meal.
    Joan nodded to Alma, walked over to the table, pulled out a chair, sat down, gently took the cloth out of Caitlyn’s hand, and introduced herself to the child. Then she asked if Caitlyn knew where her brother was.
    “I think he’s outside, in the shed,” Caitlyn answered, looking down at the floor as she spoke.
    Joan looked up at Alma and raised her eyebrows. Alma nodded, but there was a deep frown on her face. As Alma put her hands on her hips and took a breath to say something, Joan said, “I’m Gov. Karl’s wife. I need to talk to the children.”
    Alma bit her tongue and nodded.
    Then Joan stood up, took Caitlyn’s hand, and the two of them walked towards the back door.
    Kevin held the door open for them, and as soon as they were off the porch, he stepped back inside. “I think I’m going to be here for a while. Do you have any coffee?”

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 8
    Business As Usual
     
    It was nearly lunchtime before Kevin got back to his office. As soon as he sat down at his desk,